The Tell-Tale Start

The Misadventures of Edgar & Allan Poe, Book One

By: Gordon McAlpine

Narrated by: Arte Johnson

Length: 3 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

Meet Edgar and Allan Poe - 12-year-old identical twins, the great-great-great-great-grandnephews of Edgar Allan Poe. They look and act so much alike that they're almost one mischievous, prank-playing boy in two bodies.

When their beloved black cat, Roderick Usher, is kidnapped and transported to the Midwest, Edgar and Allan convince their guardians that it's time for a road trip. Along the way, mayhem and mystery ensue, as well as deeper questions: What is the boys' telepathic connection? Is Edgar Allan Poe himself reaching out to them from the Great Beyond? And why has a mad scientist been spying on the Poe family for years?

With a mix of literary humor, mystery, and a little quantum physics, this series opener is a perfect choice for smart, funny tweens who love the Time Warp Trio, Roald Dahl, and Lemony Snicket.

©2013 Gordon McAlpine (P)2013 Listening Library

Funny story of 2 kids with connected minds!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, because it is funny and interesting. The author is good with description and has enough detail for a 9 yr. old kid like me.

What other book might you compare The Tell-Tale Start to and why?

I can't compare the book to any other one. I have never read any book about two brothers who are very connected to each other but if I have to I would say "The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain because it is about two boys who find a treasure and capture a criminal (Injun Joe) just like Edgar and Allan do. Also Tom and Huckleberry Finn are very alike kind of Edgar and Allan except without connected minds.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was when the bullys went in the basement and got all scared because of all the scary traps and sounds.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I read it before listening.

Any additional comments?

Written by a 9 year old boy on his grandmas computer with permission :D

Poe Fans are in for a Treat

Would you consider the audio edition of The Tell-Tale Start to be better than the print version?

Not sure as listening is always fun but as I would rate this a good book for adolescent readers then for them, reading a book might be best.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Tell-Tale Start?

Love in injection of the real Poe into the plot and the ways he tried to communicate with the twins.

Which character – as performed by Arte Johnson – was your favorite?

I liked them all, Arte Johnson did a fine job of telling a tale!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could have and for long car rides it is perfect as the plot is not so complex that it distracts us from driving but is entertaining enough to make the long hours of driving much more enjoyable